Verizon recently issued a statement clarifying its position on grandfathered unlimited data plans. The wireless carrier reiterated that the all-you-can-eat option will only terminate when customers upgrade to a new subsidized smartphone.

The statement was sent via email to the New York Times to help quell the reports which were claiming that current unlimited data subscribers would be forced into moving to capped shared data plans expected to launch this summer. It has been clarified that customers with unlimited data plans will continue to be grandfathered into the new pricing model that allows multiple users to share data on a single contract. Once the new plans debut, subscribers who choose to take advantage of subsidized phone pricing when upgrading will no longer have the option to continue the unlimited data service. For those of you who are interested, you can find the emailed statement below:

– Customers will not be automatically moved to new shared data plans. If a 3G or 4G smartphone customer is on an unlimited plan now and they do not want to change their plan, they will not have to do so.
– When we introduce our new shared data plans, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to customers when purchasing handsets at discounted pricing.
– Customers who purchase phones at full retail price and are on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan.
– The same pricing and policies will be applied to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.

Unlike what many reports around the web are stating (including our previous report), it will likely take several years to phase out unlimited data plans, although Verizon is strongly pushing their customers away from that model. Verizon Wireless’ CFO, Fran Shammo, was the one who caused all the confusion by saying “when [customers] migrate off 3G, they will have to go to data share.” Although this is true in some cases, the company’s policy clearly allows for the continuation of unlimited data access if customers pay full price for new handsets.

So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!

So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!

So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you dont get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!

If you are going to pay full price for the phone, just buy an unlocked phone and go with one of the many discount carriers that use the same networks as the big guys, but offer truly unlimited everything (including Data) for around $40 per month.

I hope AT&T doesn't do the same thing but I wouldn't be surprised if they do.. They really want to get rid of all the 'unlimited' data accounts with their tethering and throttling messages they send us. I'm getting throttled at 3GB now which is BS.

If you are going to pay full price for the phone, just buy an unlocked phone and go with one of the many discount carriers that use the same networks as the big guys, but offer truly unlimited everything (including Data) for around $40 per month.

Here's the thing: you won't get LTE or (in the case of CDMA) data access if you do this. Carriers are restricting LTE access to postpay only and CDMA iPhones don't do data on unofficial carriers without paying $$$$ to do so.

Regional carriers might be a good way to go if you're wanting an iPhone (if you have one nearby that offers it).

I am sure they plan on phasing the unlimited plan out completely. For those who do not upgrade, they will likely be allowed to keep unlimited until their contract has expired. Once that time has come I am betting unlimited will no longer be an option even if they plan to buy their handsets outright indefinitely.

Prolly gon do da same... I think it's worth it to hold on to our unlimited data as long as we can... Eventually it will be against the "law" for any carrier to offer unlimited data... We gonna be paying crazy prices for our data usage at home and out and about... Everything Changes... But it seems that the rich are gonna get richer yet again... Bastards...

Prolly gon do da same... I think it's worth it to hold on to our unlimited data as long as we can... Eventually it will be against the "law" for any carrier to offer unlimited data... We gonna be paying crazy prices for our data usage at home and out and about... Everything Changes... But it seems that the rich are gonna get richer yet again... Bastards...

Why would it be against the "law"? And surely as smart phones become more advanced data should become cheaper rather than the SP removing unlimited plans. I have unlimited (fair use) on O2 uk which I note they're not offering anymore. I also buy my phones Straight out as with a subsidised iPhone you're ripped off should you care to calculate the £ over 24 Months

The crazy surge in data usage that goes on with every new Data consuming device might overload the existing infrastructure ... And the powers that be will be pass regulations concerning caps on data transmission from cellular providers... Maybe it wont be against the law on the books... But for the corporate cellular cats it will be against the "law " in their minds... They are gonna milk us on the data charges and we will all pay it like we pay 10-12 dollars for cigs and 5 bucks for a gallon of gas... I would rather have unlimited data on 3G than pay hella money to be on 4G when it's available here...